Do I deal with debt collectors head-on or avoid the phone calls?
If one is truly broke, so broke your filing bankruptcy, there’s really no reason to pick up the phone. Yet, if that’s not the case, yes, pick up the phone. It’s the rule that the longer you wait, only makes the current situation and consequences worse. When one deals directly with a debtor and works out an amicable agreement, the money is repaid with minimal damage to one’s credit.
I get calls twenty-four hours a day! How do I stop it?
It’s on the books that federal law dictates bill collectors must only contact debtors during “reasonable hours.” Any hour before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. are 
considered unreasonable times. These aforementioned regulations are called federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or (FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 and following) prohibits collectors from honestly harassing you, using abusive , foul language, using erroneous statements to lie to said debtors ,and tacking on unapproved late-fee’s charges.
A local business in my hometown is calling me over debts. Can I do anything about it?
If a locally-owned store is trying to contact you, it is not covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) The law applies only to collection department of a creditor. Yet, isn’t a bad idea to give the state consumer protection office a call to find out if your state law denies in-house collector.
I have some creditor demand that I send them my payments via Western Union. Do I have to do it that way?
Absolutely not. Many collectors, debt collectors after 90 days will use unscrupulous tactics like sending money by express or overnight mail. This will not only cost you in payment, but add $10 to your bill, Wiring money through Western Union’s Quick Collect or American Express’s Moneygram, is just as bad. Never put your payment on a credit card! This will only get you deeper in debt.
If you can send a payment through a debit card or check card, that’s fine, but first ask if the creditor will charge a fee. If you send your payment through the mail with a single stamp be ready for more phone calls until that payment arrives.
I’ve been afraid that my debt is getting higher because if interest. Can they do that?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) does permit any collector increase your debt by means of interest if your original agreement calls for the addition of interest during collection if it’s stated in the collection notice agreement and state-approved. In some cases the interest rates can be very high.
